Unsurprisingly, Apple’s attempts to reinvent television come with a few challenges attached. One of these is the fact that if the company wants to broadcast affiliate feeds, it must somehow wade through the complex rights issues that currently exist for local TV.
In short, Apple wouldn’t be allowed to show local programs from stations affiliated with networks such as CBS, ABC, NBC and Fox, because — despite these networks airing the content — they don’t actually own it.
If Apple wants to be be able to air this programming it would therefore have to negotiate with stations all around the U.S. to obtain individual rights. Fortunately, that’s where Apple’s impressive clout comes into play. Since it knows that a lot of people do still watch local TV, Apple is trying to persuade CBS, ABC, NBC and Fox to carry out the early stages negotiations in its place. It seems to be working, too, since the New York Post says the networks are close to having the right to negotiate with Apple on behalf of their affiliates.
The decision doesn’t just benefit Apple, of course. By offering their feeds to Apple, affiliate groups such as Tribune and Sinclair will be able to share in the revenue Apple’s streaming TV service will produce.
The news report also notes that — rights issues aside — Apple’s TV service “is ready and it rocks,” that it could launch as early as late fall 2015, and that monthly price estimates will likely be in the $10-40 range. Given that Dish’s Sling service costs $20 per month and Sony PlayStation Vue’s tiered bundles cost $50-70, that would put Apple on the competitive side of average.
Luke Dormehl is a U.K.-based journalist and author, with a background working in documentary film for Channel 4 and the BBC. He is the author of The Apple Revolution and The Formula: How Algorithms Solve All Our Problems … and Create More, both published by Penguin/Random House. His tech writing has also appeared in Wired, Fast Company, Techmeme and other publications.
7 responses to “Apple close to resolving complex rights issues for streaming TV service”
Will this be launched in the USA only?
I would imagine YES! Like everything, they start in their home country and then work out from there. I would assume Canada would be second then perhaps Europe or the U.K. if demand is high enough.
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Gave up TV in 95 and haven’t own one since then and regardless if Apple and Apple TV is trying to reinvent it I still won’t subscribe to it. A big waste of time and money.
If I could get only the stations I want for $40 a month with some sort of DVR/On-demand for shows I miss, I’m in! It with high speed internet from TWC would cost me $120 less a month than my normal bill.
Please let this happen. My comcast bill is due to more then double come Oct. God I would love to cut the cord for good from those greedy bastards
The problem isn’t big markets like New York, Chicago, LA, et al., where most of the channels are network O&O (owned and operated). The problem is the secondary and tertiary markets where the affiliates are owned by third parties.